firearm

American  

[fahyuhr-ahrm] / ˈfaɪərˌɑrm /

noun

firearms plural

1. a small arms weapon, as a rifle or pistol, from which a projectile is fired by gunpowder.

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firearm British  

/ ˈfaɪərˌɑːm /

noun

1. a weapon, esp a portable gun or pistol, from which a projectile can be discharged by an explosion caused by igniting gunpowder, etc

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Other Word Forms

Derived Forms

• firearmed
  adjective

Inflected Forms

Nouns

• firearms
  plural

Etymology

Origin of firearm

First recorded in 1640–50; fire + arm ²

Example Sentences

The state intended this rule to respect property rights by creating a default rule that nobody takes a firearm onto someone’s land without their permission.

From Slate • Jun. 25, 2026

It created the foundation 35 years ago to raise money and fund firearm safety and education programs.

From The Wall Street Journal • Jun. 2, 2026

"As is standard procedure when a police firearm is drawn, the Police Ombudsman for Northern Ireland has been informed - and their enquiries are ongoing," Jones added.

From BBC • May 31, 2026

If approved, the force would give the agency’s officers the authority to carry a firearm, make arrests and investigate thefts.

From Los Angeles Times • May 29, 2026

“I didn’t figure you had,” Bernabe said, daring to look up now as he added, “So how about stashing that firearm, okay?”

From "The Milagro Beanfield War" by John Nichols

Related Words

• handgun
• musket
• pistol
• revolver
• rifle
• shotgun
• weapon